A New Year Financial Check-In: Key Questions to Ask About Your Wealth Plan in February
The start of a new year often brings motivation to reset goals and refocus priorities, but by February, real life has usually returned to full speed. That makes this month an ideal time for a financial check-in. The noise of year-end decisions has passed, markets have started to settle into the year, and there is still plenty of time to make thoughtful adjustments before the year gets away from you.
A February review is not about making drastic changes. It is about asking the right questions to confirm that your wealth plan still aligns with your life, your goals, and your long-term strategy.
Below are key questions worth revisiting early in the year.
Have My Goals or Priorities Changed?
Your financial plan should evolve as your life does. A new year is a good time to step back and ask whether anything meaningful has changed since your last review.
This could include career changes, income adjustments, family milestones, health considerations, or shifts in personal priorities. Even subtle changes can impact savings targets, investment strategy, or risk tolerance.
If your goals have changed but your plan has not, that disconnect can quietly compound over time.
Is My Investment Strategy Still Aligned With My Risk Tolerance?
Market volatility can test even the most disciplined investors. Early in the year, it is worth revisiting whether your current portfolio still reflects your comfort level with risk and your time horizon.
Risk tolerance is not static. It can shift due to age, financial stability, or personal experience with market fluctuations. A fiduciary review focuses on whether your portfolio is positioned appropriately for your long-term objectives, not short-term headlines.
This is also a good moment to confirm that diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies remain intact.
Am I On Track With Savings and Cash Flow?
February is an excellent time to review savings progress while there is still room to course-correct.
Ask whether you are contributing enough to retirement accounts, maintaining appropriate cash reserves, and managing spending in a way that supports your goals. Reviewing cash flow early helps identify small issues before they turn into larger obstacles later in the year.
This is especially important for high-income earners, business owners, or retirees drawing income from their portfolios.
Are My Tax Strategies Coordinated With My Wealth Plan?
Tax planning should not happen in isolation. While tax season is approaching, the focus should be on coordination rather than last-minute decisions.
This includes reviewing retirement contributions, charitable giving strategies, investment tax efficiency, and any anticipated changes in income. A fiduciary approach ensures that tax considerations support your overall wealth strategy instead of driving short-term choices that may not align with your long-term plan.
February provides a valuable window to make informed, proactive decisions before deadlines approach.
Do My Estate and Insurance Plans Still Reflect My Wishes?
Wealth planning extends beyond investments. A new year is a good reminder to confirm that estate documents, beneficiary designations, and insurance coverage are up to date.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, or changes in assets can quickly make older documents outdated. Reviewing these elements ensures your plan continues to reflect your intentions and provides clarity for those who matter most.
Am I Receiving Advice That Puts My Interests First?
Finally, it is worth asking whether your advisory relationship truly aligns with your best interests. A fiduciary advisor is legally and ethically obligated to act in your favor, provide transparent guidance, and avoid conflicts of interest.
This relationship becomes especially important during uncertain markets or periods of transition. February is a good time to confirm that your advisor understands your goals, communicates clearly, and helps you stay focused on long-term outcomes rather than short-term reactions.
Summary
A February financial check-in is not about predicting markets or making dramatic changes. It is about asking thoughtful questions that help ensure your wealth plan still reflects your life, your goals, and your values. By reviewing priorities, risk alignment, cash flow, tax strategies, and overall planning early in the year, you give yourself clarity and flexibility for the months ahead. A proactive, fiduciary-guided review can help keep your financial plan steady, intentional, and aligned with what matters most throughout the year.
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Fortis Capital Management LLC (“Fortis”) DBA Fortis Financial Group and Prism Capital Management is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registered investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation, or advice of any kind, and it is subject to change without notice. Any investments or strategies referenced herein do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific person. Product suitability must be independently determined for each individual investor. Tax advice always depends on your particular personal situation and preferences. You should consult the appropriate financial professional regarding your specific circumstances. The material represents an assessment of financial, economic and tax law at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. This article was written by a financial professional and is not intended as legal or investment advice.
